Main description:

At the end of the booklet there is a 'jargon busting' section to help explain medical terms, and also a guide to further information in books and online.

Contents:

What is kidney failure? 2 What happens to the body in kidney failure? 2 Treatment starts early 2 How to cope 3 Get the facts straight 3 Get support 3 Coping strategies 4 Kidney failure specialists - the Renal Unit 7 Medical treatment of kidney failure 8 Blood tests and drugs 8 Fluid balance 9 Diet 9 Anaemia 10 Blood pressure 10 Choices about dialysis and transplantation 11 No dialysis - 'conservative' treatment 11 Kidney transplantation 12 Peritoneal dialysis (PD) 14 Haemodialysis 15 What is dialysis and when should it be started? 15 PD and haemodialysis - which is best? 19 Complications of dialysis 19 Living with kidney failure 20 Smoking 20 Exercise 20 Holidays 20 Sex 21 Having babies 21 Work 22 Insurance and mortgages 22 How long will someone with kidney failure live? 22 Jargon busting (glossary) 23 Written information 24 Other sources of help and advice 25 Patients' Associations 25 The Internet 25